Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart recently committed to hiring more than 150,000 new associates by the end of May. Since then, the company has had more than one million applicants, hiring an average of 5,000 people per day.
“We’re pleased to share we reached our goal in less than a month—more than six weeks ahead of schedule. But we can do more. Today, we’re announcing a new commitment to hire an additional 50,000 associates,” the company stated in an April 17 press release. “Hiring will be across our stores, clubs, fulfillment and distribution centers, but this won’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Hiring 50,000 new associates will give us the opportunity to provide additional staffing in key areas where it’s needed most. These hires will primarily be temporary associates and will support our current associates and customers in locations with specific needs. We are humbled and proud to be able to give an opportunity to so many workers during this critical time.”
Walmart says it continues to see strong demand in its stores, and at the same time, it wants to give current associates the flexibility to take time off and stay home if they feel more comfortable doing so. In stores and clubs, the company will continue to hire key roles, such as cashiers, stockers and personal shoppers. In distribution centers and fulfillment centers, it will hire additional fillers and pickers. And, it also will continue adding roles such as more drivers to its fleet.
“To hire these 150,000 new associates, we’ve worked with more than 70 companies that have furloughed workers. We’re seeing these associates come to us from restaurant and hospitality industries and other retailers. Of the associates hired, approximately 85 percent are being hired into temporary or part-time roles. While many of these associates want temporary employment that serves as a bridge during this time, we also expect others to convert to permanent roles,” the company said.
Walmart will continue to hire new associates through its expedited hiring process—from application to offer as quickly as 24 hours. There are two ways for candidates to apply: careers.walmart.com or by texting “jobs” to 240240.
